Frequently Asked Questions

What is OpenClip?

OpenClip is a non-profit, open-source, community-effort project, which promotes a framework for the iPhone that allows users to copy / paste between participating applications.

Why can't I copy / paste on the iPhone?

Apple has yet to implement copy / paste on the iPhone. While they have publicly stated their intention to do so in the future, Apple has noted that copy / paste is not high on their list of priorities.

Why don't developers just put in copy / paste themselves?

Applications are not allowed to run in the background. This means that once the text is copied from an application, leaving the application to paste in another will close the clipboard where the text was being held.

Also, due to Apple's sandbox effect, developers cannot create plug-ins to interact with other applications.

But OpenClip, a technique developed by Zac White, uses a different method. Now, by using the OpenClip framework, developers have the ability to implement copy / paste in their apps.

How does it work?

OpenClip utilizes an application's ability to read into other application's Documents directory. Applications that use the OpenClip framework can access this read only area to read pastes from other applications and then OpenClip can offer the newest data to the current application.

I don't understand, how do I install OpenClip on my iPhone?

OpenClip is not an application for your iPhone that can be installed. Rather, it's a framework that developers can integrate within their apps, giving them copy / paste functionality with other participating apps.

An application I use doesn't support OpenClip, what can I do?

Write them a friendly email about the advantages of OpenClip and let them know how much it would enhance the user-experience for you.

Why not just wait for Apple to fix this?

Instead of just waiting on the sidelines, we wanted to help iPhone users and Apple by being proactive and trying to help with a solution. While just an interim fix until Apple adopts a system-wide version, OpenClip hopes to add to the iPhone user-experience and provide a working case-study for Apple, hopefully allowing them to roll-out their version more quickly.

What is the UI for copy / paste?

Proximi, Inc., the developers of MagicPad (first copy & paste implementation on the iPhone), has produced a demo video of user-interface guidelines for copy / paste. Click here to watch the video

How do I know if application "X" supports OpenClip?

Check our site. You will always see the logos of all participating applications that support OpenClip

How much does OpenClip cost?

As an open-source, non-profit project, OpenClip is completely free.

Is the iPod Touch supported?

Yes, all applications for the iPod Touch with the OpenClip framework will work exactly as intended.